Youth beyond stereotypes

The monographic issue of the journal Welfare & Ergonomia, dedicated to “Youth beyond stereotypes” (Franco Angeli) and edited by Carlo Buzzi, aims to examine the major evolutionary changes in the youth world that have occurred in our society in recent times.

It does so not through a structural approach—namely demographic, economic, or social. In these three areas, the literature is already extensive; instead, it focuses on cultural aspects, taking into account the significant internal variability among young people. This variability is often invisible to adults and the media, which, by failing to consider it, creates superficial and stereotyped images of the youth world.

There are 12 selected and published articles, plus one practical experience, divided into 3 sections. We are making the long abstracts of the articles available here in PDF format.

Part One. Transformations, redefinitions, identities

It focuses on the processes of identity acquisition—both individual and social youth identity—within a social context that is sometimes challenging.

Redefining oneself as young: conflicts, connections, and solidarity (Maria Grazia Gambardella, Sveva Magaraggia)
“Emerging” adults: between navigating by sight, participating in local projects, and building their own future (Simona Guglielmi, Arianna Piacentini, Giuliana Parente, Maria Tullia Galanti)
Children’s social categorisation practices and family background (Agnese Desideri)

Part Two. Peripheries, resilience, life choices

It presents articles that examine youth attitudes and behaviors capable of dealing with difficult contexts or situations that lead to specific life choices.

Life choices and environmental cultures: Neo-rural youth staying in inner areas (Stefania Leone, Andrea Orio)
Youth on the margin: Expectations for the future, ties to places, and participation in public life in the inner areas of Calabria (Sabina Licursi, Emanuela Pascuzzi)
Freshmen during the pandemic emergency: daily life, emotional dimensions, and the mediatization of distance (Michele Bonazzi, Marco Pedroni)
For others and for themselves: Adolescents and volunteering, between solidarity and identity (Laura Solito, Letizia Materassi, Giacomo Buoncompagni)
Attempts at social advancement between marginality and signs of change among Sinti youth (Rita Bertozzi)
Youth Well-Being: beyond need… for health (Anna Ravera, Francesca Porta)

Part Three. Science, trust, uncertainties

It focuses on youth sentiments toward science, a factor that has a strong impact on many aspects of life, such as the idea of technological progress, the relationship with institutions, and the concept of health.